MULTIMODAL REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE HAVING ELECTRICALLY ALTERABLE KEYPAD DESIGNATIONS

摘要

AN9-91-005 A multimodal hand-held remote control device is disclosed which may be utilized for selecting designated functions in a plurality of multimedia processing units. Multiple user selectable keypads are provided for initiating transmission of control signals utilizing a wireless transmission system, such as an infrared transmitter. An electrically alterable graphic designation is provided in association with each user selectable keypad so that a function associated with each particular keypad for a given multimedia processing unit may be visually determined. The electrically alterable graphic designation is when varied with response to selection of an alternate mode of operation wherein the functions associated with each user selectable keypad for an alternate multimedia processing unit may be displayed. In one depicted embodiment a liquid crystal display is provided and a touch overlay is mounted in an overlying relationship with a portion of the liquid crystal display to provide the user selectable keypads. Selected menus and textual help messages may be loaded into the remote control device utilizing an infrared receiver, or an interface connection to a host device.